Is it illegal for dogs to ride in truck beds unsecured?

I’m off until Feb. 22, and other breaking news reporters will be posting to the Seattle 911 blog. This week we’re re-running some of the most popular reader questions. I’ll post new questions when I return.

Q: Is it illegal for dogs to ride in truck beds unsecured? Is it legal if they are leashed? Either way, it seems dangerous.

A: State law prohibits people from transport living animals on the running board, fenders, hood, or other outside part of any vehicle unless a suitable harness, cage or enclosure protects them from falling or being thrown. Read the specifics here.

It is legal if the dog is leashed, as long as the animal is secured to something in the bed, State Patrol trooper Keith Trowbridge said.

Driving with a dog or other animal in an unsafe condition can lead to a misdemeanor. Here’s the wording from the state law.

Any person who willfully transports or confines or causes to be transported or confined any domestic animal or animals in a manner, posture or confinement that will jeopardize the safety of the animal or the public shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

“We don’t see this occur very often,” Trowbridge said.

Thanks to the people who submitted questions. Previous answers are linked below.